Rainbow Bridge Natural Food

My experience at Rainbow Bridge was delightful from beginning to end. I found parking easily. The fruits and veggies were fresh, organic, and fairly priced. Kimberly went above and beyond helping me shop for a protein powder. Amy at checkout was super kind, friendly, efficient and accurate. I highly recommend this store for all your natural food needs.

I was treated rudely too by staff though we don't know if she was a checker. We just walked in with our dog and it was too crowded and the woman we barely looked at was talking to our dog and for whatever reason no one would have to justify we left without responding. She might have acted friendly at first but then not. She had to get the last word as if to speak badly about us not our dog. I'm actually not hard of patience but hearing. They have a lot of merch and seemingly not enough room. Sweet name for a market but the vibe in this complex is undesirable. Be careful the claustrophobic nature of this corridor including bicyclists who will cut you off. If you go to Rainbow Bridge market try on a day its not a madhouse. People can be so obtuse and customers need to be treated better.

I’ve been here a handful of times. It’s a lovely place. Here’s a few items I’ve had: match smoothie - amazing and hearty. Tuna sandwich - okay (they gave the wrong bread for my order), kidney bean salad - YUM!, cranberry pastry - super overpriced - lady charged me 8.99 for a small pastry and gave attitude when I asked about it “read the sign”…

Great natural foods market with a solid selection of organic staples, produce, and specialty items. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the cozy café makes it an easy spot to grab a bite or coffee while you shop.

This shop feels like a hybrid between a co-op and an old-school health food store. They carry organic produce, supplements, and a small deli counter with homemade soup and sandwiches. It’s never packed, so I can shop without rushing. The staff is always kind and helpful with product questions. Love the local and holistic focus

Great ambiance, awesome people. It's top notch nutririon/ grocery store.

💕Love this place!💕 Even though there are a few organic grocers around Ojai, we stop here every visit. It's our second stop once in Ojai, after the Farmer's Market on Sundays (and before Jim & Rob's) We can't wait to check out the Maker's Market on Thursday nights 3-7!

After I spent 100 dollars there, the cashier asked me if we put anything in my “stuffed backpack” which I showed her it was stuffed with plastic, because I just purchased it from the department store next door. Then she continued to ask where bracelets were and avocado cutters, because there were more and she thinks we took some in our bag. Insulting and horrible. We won’t be back. Yes, I did react to her disrespect with an upset response, so she fed off of that and tried to make me look like I was in the wrong for being upset. I feel so abused and now the jewelry I bought has horrible energy and negativity from this horrible mistreatment from the cashier. We will never shop here again! Even though we just moved to Ojai and were proud to make this our local new go to market. Not anymore!!!! Maybe she needs a retirement, because her attitude is disturbing! Horrible 😭

Service here is atrocious and it is tolerated by management for some reason, an older woman who works at the registers is out of control, and her behavior is so hostile and rude that it's like being sucker punched every time I have to go through her line. I have complained about her before and so have many others that I know who grocery shop here, which I will not be continuing to do from now on. This older woman with very short hair is so crazy that she has overcharged me and many people that I know who go through her line, today she overcharged me $41 for cilantro. For reals. When I called to discuss it with the manager, a man, he adequately mirrored me as one does when one is trained in management, was very sympathetic, but obviously had no intention whatsoever of doing a single thing about it. He acknowledged that she's been complained about warned and reprimanded repeatedly and that nothing has changed and there's no particular reason why. Reading the other reviews about the store, I can see that many others have complained as well, as many of my own personal friends and acquaintances have as well, and they have no intention of doing a single thing about the most atrocious treatment of the public I have ever had in any store ever. The older woman with short grayish dyed blonde hair should be fired immediately and everybody that she is treated this way should be handed a $100 gift certificate. I want to say that many people I know, as well as myself travel quite a distance to get to the store and pay hard earned money for the food and insane prices, and by the time I get home and noticed that I've been overcharged again or there's some issue with something. It's too late to turn around and go back and I have had that experience repeatedly. Shop ANYWHERE else; these people have no regard for you or your money.

The store is very clean and well organized. Lots of everything organic. I love their selection of cheese and kombuchas. They have a large hot foods section in the back, and have a full kitchen ready to made some fresh, made to order, items. Their workers seem very knowledgeable and helpful at all times. Definitely come check it out when you're in the area.

I LOVE THIS STORE! It had everything I was looking for and I visited a few times to try new things. I always stop by when I am in the area. The store is nicely laid out and has all the natural goodies you want. The employees are very welcoming and I chatted with a few. The store is nice and clean and the shelves are well stocked. I highly recommend going here!

I have loved this place since I grew up in Ojai and it's one of few places that hasn't changed much. I love walking up and down the aisles, getting lunch from the counter. It's great for unique finds in terms of gluten free or vegan foods from smaller companies. Great hygiene section, too. And just has a hippie dippy cozy small town feel.

This is my new favorite comfort food spot when that treat myself day comes along. They have prepackaged warm burritos with Spanish rice, black and brown bean, squash, tomatoes and onions that hit home on a self care day. I will definitely be back. Everyone inside is festive and happy to be working somewhere that makes everything from organic "of the earth" items...or at least it seems. Maybe I'm projecting :) They had other prepackaged wraps and salads and a soup hot bar. They also had every variety of a cereal brand I like which I'd never seen before in one store. It feels good in here :) so make a stop if you're in Ojai.

Rainbow I love you. We need you. Rainbow is an absolute necessity and many things are less expensive than Westridge. Great selection for how tiny it is. Mini market, old school health food gem. Supplement section is rad. Coconut water is well priced (the fresh stuff). Love the juices from the back. Please use better oils in the prepared food, and toss rotten produce sooner. But we love you and forgive you for this.

This place has really changed!!! The hot food bar has insanely high prices, what a rip off. To make things worse they advertise the grape leaves for $2.49 and sell it for $2.99. when we asked them why they are charging more than what's signed the lady grabbed it from me and said then I can't sell it. Weights and measures will be paying this establishment a visit as you can't charge someone whatever you feel lady!! Unbelievable, but probably why this place was empty. Charging Erewon prices with a bad attitude is not going to work. Stay away unless you want to be ripped off.

I thought it was a cool little health food store. We were staying near by and it had everything we needed.

I order from the deli case often. Although prices have probably quadrupled since I was first introduced, in 2008, I still order the 3-item salads, juice bar drinks, soups, & the BEST gluten-free chocolate cake ever!! The fresh produce is extensive.

Super cute local health food store. I really like that it is independent and not part of a big chain. :)

A health food store on steroids (lol), every kind of healthy offering is here, from vitamins to spices to teas, frozen foods, and a fresh deli all packed into a small space. I check here if I am looking for something unusual, and I love their iced tea. They have every type of water on tap from distilled to spring. Service is available behind the deli counter as well as by the water.

This is ojai's version of an Erewhon but smaller with limited options. The service is consistently nice and the ambiance feels granola. Luckily, it's not a scene the same way Erewhon is. That's a win.

Setting aside the high, high prices, the biggest problem is the front end where you wait and wait to pay to get out, and then have to tolerate cashiers and front end "managers" who shouldn't have a job working with the public. Because I am severely disabled, I have to park close to the front door, which isn't easy to do. On my last visit, I parked in one of the two disabled parking places but while in the store someone illegally parked in the access aisle five (5) inches from my car, preventing me from getting into my car. When i mentioned this to "Diane", a most unpleasant person, she began screaming and yelling at me, then told me that I was banned from returning to the store. When I wrote to the store owner, Ernest, about this, Ernest didn't dare demonstrate any integrity. Diane owns him too. When will the DOJ actually enforce the ADA? When will the disabled ever have any civil rights?

A good local store with unique offerings and some good deals even. Friendly staff and healthy produce. Nice hot bar and smoothie selection.

This charming natural foods shop has a great selection of food and drinks. I also found a great sore muscle salve made by a local herbalist. Service was friendly too.

This gelato is incredible! I grew up in Italy this is the best I've had in the USA. Nancy Silverton's chefs Kiss wow! I can't wait to try the other flavors.

Bummer. For decades, I've always thought Rainbow Bridge wanted to be helpful and make their customers happy. Recently, we rushed down to get to the smoothie bar before they closed at 7 pm. We got there in the nick of time! But then the lady said the smoothie boards were closed. The sign said it closed at 7, I pointed that out and that it was before 7. She claimed that her "scale" said it was 7:02. No apology. No desire to service the customer. Just a claim that we were 2 minutes late. Which is absurd b/c if you are going to be ANAL about the time down to the minute, then you must be anal about the time--and go by the right time. If you're not going to be anal about the time, then you can't make a fuss and claim it's 2 minutes late. Oh well, I guess Rainbow Bridge is going the way of all the Big Stores and having terrible customer service. :(

Accused me and my elderly mother in a wheel chair of stealing. We did not steal- nor do er steal. The cashier heard me say my mom has dementia, so the cashier said that since she has dementia she must have filled my stuffed backpack. I told her my mother may have dementia, but does not steal. I opened the backpack to show her that it is stuffed with plastic, because it is a new backpack purse that I just purchased at Rains next door. She then asked "where is the avocado cutter- we had 2 and now there is only 1" and "how many bracelets do you have" and "those are 12.99" in a tone as if I can't afford them? All the younger cashiers girls were sweet and nice- but this older woman with a sour mad look and vocal opinion that we steal was absurd and I am going to seek out my attorney to sue for discrimination since she insisted my mother would steal because she has dementia. My attorneys will be contacting the owner ASAP.

Love this sweet health store. Beautifully displayed fresh ORGANIC fruits & vegetables. Lots of gluten free & high end products, cheese, fresh local breads, vitamins, teas & a healthy deli for a quick meal or made to order sandwich. Most of the staff are truly nice people, especially when they have to deal with a surly customer. Those of us who live in Ojai love to smile! Also, terrific for fresh & distilled (self service) water refills.

Hello management, I would like to start off by saying this is one of my favorite stores to shop at from the bulk section, vitamins, produce and my occasional hot meals. I come in a few times a week or atleast every other week and for a hot coffee and straight to the flea market on Sundays. I've been a customer at rainbow for about 5+ years. But in the past year or so I have been hesitant to go to the deli when I stop in. There is an employee In the deli service who is extremely rude leaving me to second guess to go in that direction. From what I was told by another deli worker that her name is Justice. Shes a petite younger girl with red hair. She has not only made rude responses and remarks, she also makes faces and eye rolling directly in customers faces. When she took my order once I asked her for an additional add on to my sandwhich and she sighed, rolled her eyes and walked away before I can make any other changes and add ons to my sandwhich. As she made my meal, she continued to look over with inappropriate faces not only at me but other customers lining up to get their orders taken. Ive witnessed this several times on different occasions and also have a quite a few friends that have said they refuse to go to the deli when shes there because of her vulgar attitude and demeanor. Everyone else has a smile on their face and greets everyone and myself with a warm welcome. I hope rainbows management can make a change to the deli and remove the bad seed. I would love to go back and get some hot food and order something without feeling like a burden to be there. Thank you

Love our local health food store. I remember when they were smaller and more grass roots. What a genuine beginning. They've expanded for sure. They are pretty pricey, but I've found that most of their products are quality for the most part. Sometimes hard to justify the cost for their gluten free baked goods, desserts, etc. Their beauty products are NOT cheap. However, a fun place to search for niche items. If you're looking for supplements, probiotics, specific vitamins, it's a great place to look and the workers there are helpful. Check it out - you might find a neat trinket, chap stick, chocolate item that you're willing to splurge on. Also, their soup and deli section is a great go to if you just need a simple sandwich or salad.

Food is average quality, nothing insane or special, but one bag (I repeat ONE BAG) of groceries cost me over seventy dollars! I got mostly vegetables, some flour, one small steak, some icecream, some butter, and some apple juice. That's literally it. Completely overpriced, will never shop here again :/

Delicious place to go for a smoothie! I love the Ojai smoothie--always hits the spot and very refreshing.

I was deliciously surprised by their deli food- the tamale pie, chicken pot pie, and turkey meatloaf were so amazing you could taste that there's no added preservatives in the food just nutritious and delicious. Wish there was a location in Los Angeles

Delicious deli food. We got one of their hen+ burritos along with some fancy hummus and green protein drink we got in the store. It was all terrific. A nice find in Ojai and the outdoor tables are on the north side of the building. BTW, this is one pricy store so just get your wallet out and start spending for quality.

I agree with Blanche D from 3 months ago below. I wish I had read this prior to entering this deli. I would have just turned around and gone to Jersey Mike's or Subway and avoided this ridiculous excuse for a sandwich that I have ever eaten. The kid who took our order clearly didn't want to be there. The $12 turkey sandwich consisted of 2 thin slices of store bought turkey, small piece of lettuce, 2 thin slices of tomato (cut from the ends), some sprouts and all I could taste was the stale wheat bread. This is insulting by any measure at any price. And the $12 was for just the sandwich; no side included or drink. If you are going to charge this much for a sandwich it should be real deli turkey and home made bread and lots of veggies and most importantly, tasty. This sandwich was none of those things. I did order a smoothie which was good. So there's that. Won't be returning any time soon.

This place hasn't changed since they remodeled in the 90's. As the only real natural food store in town, they could/should really be a next-level health food store. Instead, this is an outdated model held in place by prime real estate in the middle of ojai. To the managers: Take a look at Briar Patch or Wild Roots or even Erewon. That's what Rainbow should be.

Rudest encounter with "manager". No wonder staff complain about him. Needs a refresher in customer service. Will not be spending my local $ there.

Hidden small town gem! Everything at this establishment is super fresh and amazing quality. If you like healthy local foods this is the place for you! I got the "Green dragon" (tonic alchemy) tonic alchemy super food blend, lemon, pineapple juice, apple juice, banana, spinach, cucumber, coconut mana I'd rate their juices/ smoothies 10/10 Fairly priced! I also tried the chicken pot pie that isn't pictured but the chicken was super fresh and the crust was good! I'd give it a 7/10!

I had the tuna wrap (whole wheat wrap) - took it on my hiking trip. It was very good. Nice flavor. Also had one of their vegan cookies- it was great.

This deli has been a local go-to for us in the past, but recent cost-cutting (I presume) has left us more than unimpressed with their offerings. We ordered an egg salad sandwich on brioche bun and were stunned at the amount of food we paid +12.00 for. The sandwich bun was literally 3" in diameter - the size of a "slider". The bun was obviously old and stale. Inside, there was a thin smear of egg salad that could've passed for the condiment, and one small scrap of lettuce. VERY disappointing. Any value that was part of the draw has become victim to Rainbow Bridge's pursuit of making an obscene profit (That is: selling $ .10 of food for $12.00). And, after perusing their other offerings, I have no doubt that this is indicative of the business model for the entire store. We will no longer shop at Rainbow Bridge.

I always come here when I come to Ojai from Ventura. For the small size, they carry everything I would want in a grocery store! The produce has always been fresh- which is usually the only problem with small health food stores. Thank you for supplying the area with healthy food!

I always like checking out local grocery stores and this is a great one! Service was wonderful and hey have plenty of local items and brands your usual grocers don't carry. Prices are high, but considering there is not much else out here it is worth it. Nice layout and plenty of easy parking.

I come here when I'm looking for something healthy, out of the ordinary, vegan, gluten free, or unusual in terms of produce. It's a small store but they have a nice selection. Prices are high but not above what you'd expect for this kind of shop and these types of groceries. I appreciate their expanded options and environmentally conscious lean. I also like that they have a fresh deli in the back where you can have sandwiches made for you or grab something pre-made and go. They have some inside dining as well as outside. The small shared parking lot is often full but usually I can find a parking spot on the curb. Employees have been polite and professional when I've visited. Store is tidy and well stocked.

We've been shopping at Rainbow Bridge since it was a tiny shop between where a real estate office and a kombucha shop now stand, probably where Radio Shack was originally. It's always been a key component in getting the foods we wished to eat, and to feed our kids. When I was in last week I observed one of the owners, Ernest Niglio, standing by the produce-maskless-talking with a customer-also maskless-about how ridiculous masking was. Several employees and several customers walked about, also without masks. Here is a long-time Ojai business, ostensibly here to earn a good living while promoting the health of its customers. Next to the County-mandated "Mask Required" signs at both entrances, Rainbow Bridge has posted a scare sign reminding all who enter that "face masks are harmful". Tell THAT to the 834,000 very dead people who have experienced Covid-19 all the way to their deaths. This business, their actions, and their cavalier attitude about a deadly virus is an offensive affront to all the citizens of Ojai and all the visitors to the City who make the economy go. Ernest, and Mary Trudeau, operate a grocery business. Whatever it is that has convinced them they need to do this, to help spread Covid-19, is their business-until it isn't. After some 35 years of shopping at a pretty-good-otherwise natural foods store, they will not see me in there any longer. It's called PUBLIC health, it is not called "Ernest's take on what he seems to feel is a scam". I do not care what Ernest thinks or doesn't think, I just wanted a place to grab some salmon, a Kevita, maybe some avocados. Oh well, all hail Ernest's agenda. What a shame, what a crime. The City of Ojai is aware and does nothing, the County Health Department says they know, and CAL/OSHA is also in the loop, for what that's worth. Ernest and Mary rely on these public agencies to be too busy to pay attention. Oh well, maybe they'll catch up to Rainbow Bridge one day, I certainly hope so. Take care out there, people, and know who's helping, and who is hindering, our collective ability to get through this without dying.

I came here before covid was even a thing. I had one notably unimpressive smoothie, saw their ridiculous prices, and told myself I'd never come back. and now I learn they're anti-maskers? oof, get it together. it's not that hard to wear a mask for extended periods of time. I had to do it for 4-8 hours at a time back when I worked retail so there's really no excuse

I went in today (I've come here for 20 years though no longer live in Ojai) and immediately felt so unsafe -- about 50% of their staff maskless, definitely 50% of their customers maskless-- this while the incomparably contagious Omicron variant is surging. [edited to hopefully protect employee from any retaliation] I spoke with a masked employee and could see that they felt unsafe, vulnerable and unprotected in their workplace because their higher ups were very clearly making the choice to not enforce the mask mandate. I really, really hope that your employees have amazing benefits, Rainbow Bridge. As a fellow small business owner I cannot possibly imagine doing anything that might threaten my staff's safety and wellbeing-- that is our number one job as an employer. You are putting the very people who keep your ship running at risk, which is irresponsible, and so deeply disrespectful to their physical and mental health (some might say abusive). As far as I see it, the only thing you actually (re)enforce is an extremely toxic white wellness culture. If you are looking for some Ojai crunch, go to Farmer and the Cook where they believe in science and enforce the mask mandate so their community of staff and customers can stay actually-well.

unfortunately, this otherwise excellent health food store ignores The mask mandate. when I politely asked an employee shelving in the aisle I was shopping in to put her mask on ( it was around her neck), she rudely refused "unless I was within 6 feet." one of the cashiers wasn't masked & several customers. The manager claims they just can't enforce masks. with narrow aisles and congestion, It's just dangerous. I'll be shopping elsewhere. Our tow's other health food store can & does enforce the mask mandate.

I have been coming to Rainbow Bridge now for a few years. One thing for sure, what I love about it has not changed. All my favorites are rock solid. Love the fountain at entrance and the beautiful gifts hanging close to the bountiful produce. A very warm, nourishing, vibrant, and earthy feeling here. Yes, the employees can be mixed, some attentive and great, some distant and not so great. I've had it all here! Back recently after being away for awhile, found some new favorites and was so happy my 'ol faves were still there. Like the awesome big pancakes. Best breakfast deal in Ojai, just get here early. Sold out and done by 10 am. The grocery selection ( especially snacks and cookies) is excellent, with a lot of variety. Unique choices and specific dietary items. Wonderful cheese and wine selection. Bulk vinegars, oils, syrups, and herbs. Smoothies are superb, reasonable, and full of aware ingredients. Fun names too! I love the ones with maca, "Grace from Manna Cocoa" is fullfilling and "Have a Cacao" is energizing and perfect if you like chocolate. In hot case, the teryaki tofu ( chicken version too) is loaded with veggies. So satisfying and simply scrumptious. Order as a bowl, with brown rice, and it is more affordable. Deli and hot bar have lasagna, meats, and also raw~vegan choices. Get any sandwich with their walnut pesto..it is so good. Skin care area is fantastic, with a lot to choose from. Love the little baskets by checkout with all sorts of healthy lozenges, eclectic treats, and yummy chocolates. Seating area outside is laid back and comfortable. Really peaceful

I was just in Rainbow Bridge and am very impressed with the quality and variety of produce and many other items. I am visiting and an grateful they are right around the corner.

Honestly, so many issues with this place, I don't know where to start. Ignoring mask mandates, rude cashiers, overpriced deli, smoothie & juice items... I could continue. On top of that, the politics of the owners just make the place disingenuous. They target towards a health conscious, liberal crowd just to make money off of them. Ew.

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE! I WILL NOT BE COMING BACK! Everyone here is always very rude! This is an over priced store and should treat its customers with respect. I was treated rudely by the manager when returning an unused item. I was treated rudely again when ordering some smoothies. I waited in line with 2 young children for over 10 minutes. Once I finally made it to the register at the front of the line, I was told that I have to go place my order with a different person, and then go wait in line again. The line was now twice as long. The person was very rude and said that they didn't care. Go take your business somewhere else!

COVID friendly market! Come for the gluten-free leave with Covid, salmonella, listeria, whatever... since their staff and customers disobey the Ojai indoor mask requirement... What other health/safety laws are they violating? Are their freezers set at the right temp? Do they wash their hands before they prepare your food? Do they keep expired food on the shelves? Walked in while visiting Ojai today and was stunned by their flagrant disregard for the health of their employees and customers.

I personally like the store and for the most part offers unique food and has a generous nutrient store. Most of my concerns, but not dissatisfaction with the store has to do with customer relations. The management is aware of the issues and responsive. I rated a three to emphasize the dog policy issue. According to federal government procedure: A service dog does not have to meet any criteria except house broken and is not unruly. You cannot question a owners criteria for naming the dog a service dog. Credentials do not have to be shown to anyone. You cannot restrict dog access under service dog criteria unless they are not house broken or unruly. Then, you can restrict the dog, but must offer the owner entrance without the dog. At least that is the current procedure and policy. Some service dogs do have vests and papers, but there is no mandatory obligation to show. If the dog is unruly, certainly please have the animal removed because that can cause safety issues for all concerned.

*** An already ridiculously priced store in Ojai, just got more expensive***... I bought fruit salad...(which had partly rotten grapes)... I paid with cash at the register... The person there was pleasant enough, but could not make change. I was short changed by -$9.00...When I pointed this out to the cashier...She had to use a calculator, but still could not figure it out... Shocking.. I left not wanting to cause a stir... Wowza... 2023... If you can't make change, you either need more training or to work in another area of the store... :-(

Came in to purchase my all time favorite dark chocolate covered ginger in bulk only to find the store has been reorganized. The bulk food items are gone, moved next door to the Rainbow Bridge market. Sadly, no more chocolate covered ginger. However, this store does carry a large assortment of healthy dog and cat treats and some toys. I noticed several of the treats are several dollars more than I'm used to paying, then again, this is a specialty store. The incense, crystals and organic seeds are still there as are the very friendly employees.

I like coming to Rainbow Bridge for their great smoothies and sometimes food, but the customer service could be improved. The lady with the purple hair in the deli has been rude and agitated with every encounter I have had with her. I work in the service industry and this type of behavior would not be acceptable. For example yelling at a customer when they don't hear you the first time since I was in the middle of a conversation. Love the store but wish I didn't have to feel this way walking out of it.

I will avoid shopping here as much as possible. The staff is notoriously rude and every interaction I've had with this store has been unpleasant. If you have any questions about items you are purchasing, especially in the vitamin section, I advise going anywhere else. They are very passive aggressive, condescending, and utterly unhelpful at Rainbow Bridge. They also tried to deny the purchase of a food item that I was paying for with EBT. Claiming the store won't allow me to purchase it on SNAP. However, the state of CA sets the limits on what can and cannot be purchased on EBT benefits. When I told the cashier that I purchase this item weekly at other stores he began to make inappropriate comments that were again condescending and passive aggressive. EBT did in fact honor the purchase of that item. For the cost of the over priced goods in this store, I expect to be treated with basic dignity and respect as a customer.

Giving Rainbow Bridge 5 stars because they have supported my health and wellness with their quality, whole foods and GREAT supplement section for 20 years!